BASF LOWERS 2015 FORECAST

Germany's BASF lowered its outlook for 2015 and reported a 4.8% decline in third-quarter profit, hurt by the slowing global economy and weaker demand in Europe.

ERICSSON'S REVENUES BEAT EXPECTATIONS

Ericsson's revenue grew more than expected in the third quarter, as the company's main networks unit saw high mobile broadband demand in places such as China, Russia and the Middle East.

BANKIA BOOSTED BY LOWER BAD LOAN PROVISIONS

Bankia SA says that 3Q net profit rose compared to a year earlier as Spain's largest nationalized bank reported lower costs and fewer provisions to cover soured loans.

VOLVO TO CUT COSTS AS NET PROFIT RISES

Swedish commercial vehicle maker Volvo said it will cut costs further while it reported an increase in third-quarter net profit as good momentum in North America and Japan offset slow development in emerging markets.

AIRBNB WEIGHS EMPLOYEE STOCK SALE AT $13B VALUATION

Airbnb is said to have met with investors to discuss a new round of financing that could the value the apartment-rental site at about $13 billion.

AMAZON REPORTS ITS BIGGEST-EVER OPERATING LOSS

Amazon.com's soaring ambitions are coming at a steep cost, dragging the e-commerce giant to its biggest quarterly loss in 14 years. The wider loss came despite a 20% jump in revenue to $20.58 billion.

MICROSOFT BUCKS TREND AS SALES DEFY EXPECTATIONS

Microsoft may not be cool, but its sales continue to defy expectations by growing at a much faster clip than those of its business-technology peers. Microsoft's revenue rose 11% from a year earlier in the three months ended Sept. 30.

BLOODIED QANTAS SHOWS SIGNS OF RECOVERY

Qantas Airways said intense competition in the Australian domestic travel market with Virgin Australia may be easing a little faster than expected, as it reiterated guidance for a return to profit in its fiscal first half.